Problem Description

A number of EIA Interface (I/F) assemblies have been manufactured with one or more 60-pin back plane connectors (ID P1-P12) rotated 180 degrees, resulting in installation and/or operational difficulties.

Background

Due in part to unclear assembly instructions, a number of EIA I/F assemblies have been manufactured with one or more of the 60 pin back plane connectors rotated 180 degrees. These connectors are symmetrical with the exception of a pair of index pins protruding from the center edges of the connector, one of which is slightly (.025") wider than the other. Given the nearly symmetrical configuration of these connectors, installation difficulty with an affected board will range from unnoticeable to un-installable. It is possible to install boards with this deficiency.

Problem Symptoms

A board with rotated connectors may be installed, but the user may experience difficulty while doing so or while turning it up. If more than normal pressure is required to seat the board, it should be inspected for rotated connectors. Once installed, an affected Printed Circuit Board (PCB) may operate properly. Once electrical connection is made, it is unlikely, but possible, that the connection could fail in the future. If you are unable to pass data over any port, the board should be inspected for rotated connectors.

Workaround/Solution

Note:?Screening should be done prior to initial installation or during regularly scheduled maintenance periods.

Pre-Installation Inspection

All boards should be inspected to determine if they contain improperly installed connectors.

This inspection is performed as follows:

Position the board with the top up, or away from you.

Flip the board while maintaining this top up orientation. (See Figure 1). At this point there should be two rows of six connectors each: one row across the top of the board and one row across the bottom (ID P1 - P12).

Verify that all connectors are positioned with wide index pin and connector identification markings towards the edge of the assembly that is closest to the center of the shelf (inboard) when installed (Figure 1, lower left corner shows the correct connector orientation).

A board with the connector placement as described above is not affected, and may be installed without further concern.

Any EIA with rotated connectors (See Figure 2) should be replaced via the RMA process by contacting the TAC as listed below.

Post-Installation Inspection

Note:?The following process does not ensure that there are no rotated connectors; it will simply demonstrate that the ports are making a positive electrical connection.

In the event that a port fails this test, the connector is probably not connected electrically. Inspect for rotated connectors and if found, the EIA should be replaced via the standard TAC RMA process.

Cisco suggests using the DS1 card for this test because it allows you to test all fourteen ports. You can use a DS3 to test the first twelve.

Install the DS1 test card in the slot to be tested.

Place the port to be tested in service by choosing the Provisioning tab in the GUI.

Confirm that an LOS alarm indication is received for the specific port.

Loop the Tx connector to the Rx connector for the port (Requires either a connectorized cable assembly or Balun, depending upon the backplane).

Confirm that the LOS alarm indication is cleared, and that an AIS alarm is indicated for the port.

Return the port to its pretest condition.

Repeat as desired for any/all slots/ports.

Once an EIA has been placed in service, and is passing traffic, it will likely operate without difficulty. Our recommendation with an operational EIA is to "Fix-on-Failure" only. Any further screening should be done during regularly scheduled maintenance periods.

If during the connector screening process, an affected board is discovered, it may be returned for replacement by contacting the TAC as listed below.

Connector screening has been implemented at manufacturing and repair facilities to identify and eliminate any affected boards. As of May 23, 2001, all new stock has been screened to ensure that no boards are shipped with improperly installed connectors.

In the event that a board with a rotated connector is found, it should be returned and a screened replacement obtained by contacting the TAC.

For More Information

If you require further assistance, or if you have any further questions regarding this field notice, please contact the Cisco Systems Technical Assistance Center (TAC) by one of the following methods: